Influence of vitamin E on polyamine metabolism in ozone-exposed rat lungs

The influence of vitamin E (E) on lung polyamine metabolism of rats exposed to ozone (O3) was examined. Rats fed diets wither E-deficient or supplemented with 1000 IU E/kg were exposed to 0.5 +/- 0.05 ppm O3 or filtered room air continuously for 5 days. They were then sacrificed and their lungs were analyzed for biochemical changes. Lung E content was strongly associated with the dietary level, and increased (36%, P less than 0.05) after O3 exposure only in E-supplemented rats. Lung polyamine metabolism was not affected in the air-control rats by E level, but increased after O3 exposure in both dietary groups. The activities of ornithine decarboxylase and S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase were elevated above air controls. However, the increases were significant only for E-deficient rats when compared to E-supplemented rats. After O3 exposure, putrescine increased significantly in both dietary groups; spermidine increased but was significantly higher only in the E-deficient group; and spermine remained unchanged in both dietary groups. Elevated E content of supplemented rat lungs after O3 exposure may represent its mobilization under oxidant stress. Increased polyamine metabolism of E-deficient rats suggests either a greater sensitivity to injury by O3 or a possible antioxidant function for polyamines compensating for E deficiency.